Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter, a maverick architect in a male-dominated industry, planned and constructed a number of her signature structures while employed by the Fred Harvey Company and Santa Fe Railway from 1902 to 1948. During her tenure, Colter built a tourist facility at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. She called this quaint complex of rustic buildings in the most unlikely of settings Phantom Ranch. This class will examine the legacy of Colter, the construction of Phantom Ranch, and the long cultural history of Bright Angel Canyon that extends for millennia before the arrival of the modern tourist. Of course, no visit to the canyon floor would be complete without an overview of the amazing geology and ecology encountered throughout the journey.

This class will thus feature lively discussions on a wide variety of natural history topics. Participants will hike down the South Kaibab Trail and ascend via the Bright Angel Trail. Phantom Ranch cabin, mule duffel service and most meals at Phantom Ranch are included.